The Butler Speaks

"This definitive work fairly oozes the polish and poise of proper butlering, etiquette and household management. MacPherson (founder of Charles MacPherson Associates), neatly lays out the fundamentals of his business into five sections. Part one covers the oddly fascinating history of the service industry, including tidbits such as a footmen's typical pay scale--based on height and good looks, not competence. Part two sets the etiquette standards with butlering how-tos and dos and don'ts. This is the part that will turn your brewed tea into an art form and your introductions into a statement about your pedigree, real or not. Part three is all about throwing the ultimate shebang, complete with the requisite cutlery, dishes, and glasses. Illustrations ensure you never use a three-tined dessert fork for your salad again. Mothers will appreciate part four, in which MacPherson exhorts readers not to put their elbows on the table, among other rules of table manners. A yearly cleaning calendar is just one aspect of the art of housekeeping discussed in part five. With wit and panache, MacPherson jams in reams of tips that will have you cultured in no time."
--Publishers Weekly

"This [book] everything you never paid attention to while living at home: stylish entertaining, etiquette and the art of good housekeeping. Read this book and you will become the chicest domestic expert around."
--Metro

"All warmth and charm, Charles takes the stuffiness out of butlering. When Charles the Butler speaks, I listen! He presents the 'old school' lessons of etiquette, entertaining and housekeeping in a way that everyone can learn. I am proud he is a Master Trainer at my school."
--Pamela Eyring, President of The Protocol School of Washington

"One of my favourite guests, Charles the Butler gives great advice on managing your life, loving laundry and pursuing good manners."
--Marilyn Denis, host of The Marilyn Denis Show

"Charles has been my go-to resource for nearly a decade now. His expertise, elegance, and thoughtful tips are an unbeatable combination. I am thrilled that he is sharing his in-depth knowledge with the public in this handy resource."
--Benjamen Douglas, Former Household Manager to Morgan Freeman and Myrna Colley-Lee

"Charles the Butler taught me to truly understand what luxury is. He alone deserves the fifth highly coveted luxury hotel star."
--Olivier Cremont, former Head Butler, Fouquet's Barriere Hotel, Paris

"The Butler Speaks is your definitive guide to the art of living well, delivered with the wit, charm, style--and simple common sense--that you have come to expect from Charles' columns in Metro. Keep it handy and you'll never miss a step!"
--Charlotte Empey, Editor-in-Chief, Metro

"Anyone who takes pride in their home and in entertaining their family and friends will find within these pages the tips and tricks that a professional butler uses to achieve the ultimate standard of a privately staffed house."
--John Robertson, butler to Their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle